In the vision of the four angels holding in check the symbolic winds of the earth till the sealing message has done its work, the prophet hears a voice giving the number sealed.” And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.” Rev. 7:14. The following verses describe the sealing of twelve thousand out of each of the twelve tribes.

We must forget that the sealing message is located between the breaking of the sixth and seventh seals, or just before the second advent of Christ. The prophecy under consideration, therefore meets its fulfillment many generations after the dispersion of Israel, when the identity of the twelve tribes has long since become impossible. Even at the beginning of the Christian era, the tribes had so completely lost their identity that they were indistinguishable because of generations of intermarriage, captivity, and persecution.

SPIRITUAL ISRAEL

The only conclusion possible is that our text applies to spiritual and not to literal Israel, While it is impossible for human beings to divide Christians into twelve divisions, according to their characteristics, Christ, the supreme Head of the Church, knows where every member of His body belongs; and in the book of life, or the family record, they are doubtless enrolled under the tribe or nation to which they belong.

The term ”Israel” had its origin the night Jacob wrestled with the angel, when, because his character was changed, God changed his name from Jacob, the deceiver and supplanter, to Israel, a prince of God and overcomer—one who prevails with God and man. (See Gen.32:24-28).

The term “Israel” and “Christian” are therefore synonymous, for all true Israelites are Christians and all true Christians are Israelites, or sons of God. Of course, all who claim to be Christians are not Christians; likewise, all who claim to be Israelites are not princes of God, as Paul declared: “They are not all Israel, which are of Israel,” and “he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly…but he is a Jew, which is one inwardly,” Romans 9:6; 2:28,29.

In Romans 11:17-26, the true Israel in all ages is represented as a tame and fruitful olive tree. Some of the natural branches, or the descendants of Abraham, were broken off because of unbelief, and branches from the wild olive tree were grafted into their place; these, partaking “of the root and fatness” of the Israel stock, yield the fruit of the tame olive, “contrary to nature.” The conclusions of Paul’s argument is, “and so all Israel shall be saved.”

THE TWELVE TRIBES

In his letter to the Galatian church, Paul declared: “If ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” Galatians 3:29. He also stated that all who are of new creatures in Christ Jesus are of “the Israel of God.” Chapter 6:15,16.

That the church of Christ, even in its militant state, is divided into twelve tribes, or nations, is evident from the opening statement of the epistle of James. “James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting .”That the content of this letter were intended for spiritual Israel and not for the Jews is evident even to the casual reader. The fifth chapter is essentially a last-day prophecy, and shows that the epistle was written for the special benefit of the church of the last generation, which would witness the return of Christ to establish the His kingdom of glory.

The evidence is also conclusive that the church triumphant will retain this twelve- tribe division. In answer to Peter’s question, “Behold, we have forsaken all and followed Thee; what shall we have therefore?” Jesus answered: “verily I say unto you, that ye which have followed me. In the regeneration when the son of man shall sit in the throne of His glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” Matthew 19:27,28.

The celestial city, the New Jerusalem, through whose pearly gates will pass the redeemed of all ages (Rev.22:14) regardless of their earthly nationality, rests upon twelve foundations on which are emblazoned the names of the twelve apostles who will reign as judges, or kings, over the twelve nations of overcomers in earth’s warfare.(See Rev.21:,22)

The saved of all ages are declared to be “so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the seashore innumerable.” Hebrews 11:12. On the other hand, the final sealing message gathers and seals 144,000 divided into twelve companies of 12,000 each. Who are they? And what is their relation to the twelve tribes?

OCCUPY HIGH POSITIONS

This special company became qualified to stand next to Christ because of the trying experiences through which they have passed in their warfare with the host of evil in the final desperate charge against the remnant of the church militant. (See Rev. 12:17) in ruling themselves and in conquering sin, they have demonstrated their ability to rule. They have gotten the victory over every known sin, and are “without fault before the throne of God.” But few saints in the world’s history have ever reached such a high standard of perfection of character and knowledge of His truth. Their loyalty to the principles of God’s government has been tested to the utmost, and is above question. They can now be entrusted with responsibilities in the kingdom of Christ and of the twelve nations of Israel.

The Christian church began its history under the leadership of twelve men, who during the ten days of prayer, study, and confession of sin in the upper room, reached a standard of perfection of faith .They had “the faith of Jesus.” They were “ of one accord” for the first time in their lives, and had gotten the victory over every known sin, so that they no longer grieved the Holy Spirit, who sealed them “unto the day of redemption.” (See Ephesians 4:30) Since they were sealed for the kingdom, the Holy Spirit was given to them without measure, and Pentecost was the result. The early rain followed the upper room experience that brought to them the seal of God’s approval.

THE GREAT OUTPOURING

The early rain was but a local shower compared with the latter rain which is poured out on all flesh to ripen the gospel grain for the final harvest. The reaping message is to go to every nation and kindred, and tongue, and people.” (See Rev.14:6-14.) As twelve men were sealed for leadership by the Spirit in the beginning of the gospel proclamation under the early rain, twelve groups of men, of 12,000 each, will be sealed by the Spirit for leadership in giving the loud cry during the latter rain. As the 144,000 reach the standard of perfection of character corresponding to their perfection of faith, “the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” They are sealed for the kingdom and go forth to give the loud cry that calls God’s people out of spiritual Babylon and completes the gospel harvest. (See Rev.18:1-5.)

The 144,000 are declared to be “the first fruits unto God and to the Lamb.” Rev.14:4. In ancient Israel each farmer was required to bring the first sheaf of his crop to the sanctuary, and present it to the priest. This was called the “first fruits” of the harvest, and was dedicated to the sanctuary and the service of the priest, and was deposited “before the altar of the Lord.” He was then privileged to put in the sickle for the final harvest. The “first fruits” was only a small part of the entire crop. (See Exodus 23:19; Leviticus 23:10; Deuteronomy 26:1,11.)

All the service of the Mosaic sanctuary were typical of the plan of salvation and the priestly service of Christ. The offering of the first fruits must have an antitype in the reaping of the final gospel harvest. “The harvest is the end of the world”, declared Jesus. Just before the world- harvest is gathered and when it is “white already to harvest.” A “first- fruits sheaf will be gathered and presented to the Priest of the heavenly sanctuary to be dedicated to His service. The “first fruits” of the antitypical harvest are plainly declared to be the 144,000; this will be the first sheaf only of the entire gospel crop. In the type, the “first fruits” was not the only the first in point of time but also in quality. The best of the harvest must be selected or “the choice fruits.” Thus the 144,000 are not only the first of the final harvest, but its choice fruits; for “ they are without fault before the throne of God.”

THE INNUMERABLE HOSTS

After describing the 144,000, the revelator continued: “After this I beheld, and lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; and cried with a loud voice, saying,” Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.” Rev.7:9,10.

Here is described the remainder of the final harvest. Their knowledge, experience, and test of loyalty are far less than the standard reached by the 144,000, who are qualified for a special work as “kings and priests” unto God and the Lamb.

Just before the reaping of the vast harvest of the earth, the 144,000 or the “first fruits”, are presented to Christ, the great High Priest of the heavenly sanctuary, and dedicated to a special service before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple: and He that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.” Rev.7:15.

This is in accord with the promise Christ makes to those who accept the Laodicean message, and are purified by it. “To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with Me in My throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with My Father in His throne.”

Surely the Lord holds out a glorious reward to those who accept the sealing message and reach the high standards required for enumeration in the special company who stand with the lamb on Mount Zion, go with Him “whithersoever He goeth,” and assist Him in the administration of the kingdom of glory. Is any sacrifice too great for such a priceless privilege?

BIBLE COMMENTARY on REVELATION

CHAPTER 7

1-3 (ch.16:13-16; see EGW on ch.5:11, Eph.4:30). Probationary Time Running Out.---Already kingdom rise against kingdom. There is not now a determined engagement. As yet the four winds are held until the servants of God shall be sealed in their foreheads. Then the powers of earth will marshall their forces for the last great battle. How carefully we should improve the little remaining period of our probation.(Rh Nov.27,1900)

Just before we entered it (the time of trouble), we all receive the seal of the living God. Then I saw the four angels cease to hold the four winds. And I saw famine, pestilence, and sword, nation, and the whole world was in confusion (Day-Star, March 14,1846.)

Everything in the world is in an unsettled state. The nations are angry, and great preparation for war are being made. Nation is plotting against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. The great day of God is hasting greatly. But although the nations are mustering their forces for war and bloodshed, the command to the angels is still in force, that they hold the four winds until the servants of God are sealed in their foreheads (RH Jan.28,1909).

2,3 (See EGW on chs. 13:16,17;14:9-12).Angels Read the Mark.—What is placed in the foreheads of His people? It is a mark which angels, but not human eyes can read; for the destroying angel must see this mark of redemption. The intelligent mind has seen the sign of the cross of Calvary in the Lord’s adopted sons and daughters. The sin of the transgression of the law of God is taken away. They have on the wedding garment, and are obedient and faithful to all God’s commands (Letter 126,1898).

(Ex.12:7,12,13;Eze.9:4;20:12,20) The Signature of God’s Appointment—The Israelites placed over their doors a signature of blood, to show that they were God’s property. So the children of God in this age will bear the signature God has appointed. Please read Eze. 9:1-11;Manuscript Release vol.1 p.260.

4-17 (ch 14:1-4;2 Cor. 3:18) Strive to Be Among the 144,000—(Rev.7:9-17 quoted). Those whom the lamb shall lead by the fountain of living waters, and from whose eyes He shall wipe away all tears, will be those now receiving the knowledge and understanding revealed in the bible, the word of God…

We are to copy no human being. There is no human being wise enough to be our criterion. We are to look to the man Christ Jesus, who is complete in the perfection of righteousness and holiness. He is the pattern man, His experience that we are to gain. His character is our model. Let us, then, take our minds off the perplexities and the difficulties of this life, and fix them on Him. He will be formed within the hope of glory.

Let us strive with all the power that God has given us to be among the hundred and forty-four thousand (RH March 9,1905).

9 (chs. 3:5; 19:7-9; John 12:12,13). The Palms and the Robes.—The palms signify that they have gained the victory, and the white robes that they have been clothed with the righteousness of Christ. Thank God that a fountain that has been opened to wash our robes of character, and make them as white as snow. (Und. MS 23)

Replies to This Discussion

We all want to be PREPARED to RECEIVING the SEALING and Preparation of receiving the Out Pouring of the LATTER Rain. We must fully understand 1st that we are to constantly be striving to be Awarded the " Righteousness of Faith "through Character Perfection which we shall never exhaust trying to achieve. We are to LABOR for SOULS while we still have Time!. This allows us to receive the Early Rain, which we must do 1st.

(2 Timothy 2:14-16; see EGW on Revelation 7:4-17.) Identity of 144,000 Not Revealed.--Christ says that there will be those in the church who will present fables and suppositions, when God has given grand, elevating, ennobling truths, which should ever be kept in the treasure house of the mind. When men pick up this theory and that theory, when they are curious to know something it is not necessary for them to know, God is not leading them. It is not His plan that His people shall present something which they have to suppose, which is not taught in the Word. It is not His will that they shall get into controversy over questions which will not help them spiritually, such as, Who is to compose the hundred and forty-four thousand. This those who are the elect of God will in a short time know without question. {7BC 978.4}
My brethren and sisters, appreciate and study the truths God has given for you and your children. Spend not your time in seeking to know that which will be no spiritual help. "What shall I do to inherit eternal life?" This is the all-important question, and it has been clearly answered. "What is written in the law? how readest thou? (MS 26, 1901). {7BC 978.5}